Dred Scott Emancipated by His Original Owners (1857)

Scott was an American slave who sued unsuccessfully for his freedom in the famous Dred Scott v. Sandford case. Though he argued that having lived in states and territories where slavery was illegal rendered him a free man, the Supreme Court ruled against him in 1857, finding that no person of African ancestry could claim citizenship in the US or bring suit in federal court. Shortly thereafter, Scott was returned to his original owners and emancipated. What did he do after he was freed? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Georgia Independence Day

Georgia Independence Day celebrates the republic’s brief period of independence from Tsarist Russia from May 26, 1918, until its forced incorporation into the Soviet Union in 1922. Georgia declared its independence from the former Soviet Union on April 9, 1991, but the national holiday commemorates the country’s original independence earlier in the century. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

John Wayne (1907)

An American actor and enduring icon of rugged masculinity, Wayne is best known for playing the archetypal Western hero in films like Stagecoach, The Alamo, and Rio Bravo. He appeared in some 250 films before his work in True Grit earned him his first—and only—Academy Award. An outspoken supporter of conservative political causes, notably America’s role in Vietnam, Wayne also appeared in a number of war films, including The Green Berets. What was his real name? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Everglades

This marshy, low-lying subtropical savanna area in S. Florida extends from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay. Characterized by water, sawgrass, palms, pine, and mangrove forests, the Everglades receives an annual average rainfall of more than 60 in. (152 cm), mainly in the summer. The wildlife-rich area is home to endangered species like the Florida panther, American crocodile, and manatee. In the late 1830s the Everglades was the scene of military operations against what Native American people? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Star Wars Is Released (1977)

After its release in 1977, Star Wars became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, spawning two film sequels and three prequels as well as myriad novels, video games, and comic books. The films, which grossed over $4 billion, chronicle Luke Skywalker’s quest to help the rebels defeat an evil empire and iconic villain Darth Vader. What US president’s proposed strategic defense system against nuclear attacks, which was to include space-based lasers, was derisively dubbed “Star Wars”? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

African Liberation Day

This day can be traced back to April 15, 1958, when the Conference of Independent African States was held in Accra, Ghana. On May 25, 1963, 31 independent African countries met to form the Organisation of African Unity, changing the name and the date of what is now African Liberation Day. In 1999, the group reorganized into the African Union. Today, observances include marches, parades, rallies, and conferences, focusing on celebrating freedom from colonialism, educating people about the progress of the African liberation movement, and speaking out against oppression. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Sir Ian McKellen (1939)

McKellen is an English star of stage and screen, noted for his performances in everything from Shakespearean works to modern theater to popular fantasy and science fiction. He began his professional acting career in the 1960s, and has worked steadily ever since. His recent roles in blockbuster films such as The Lord of the Rings and X-Men have earned him widespread recognition and introduced him to a new generation of fans. When was McKellen knighted? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary